Option A: Nineteenth century topic HOW FAR WAS THE KU KLUX KLAN SUPPORTED? Study the Background Information and the sources carefully, and then answer all the questions. Background Information The first Ku Klux Klan appeared right at the end of 1865 and by the early 1870s had been suppressed after the US government passed laws against it. Its aims were to restore white supremacy and oppose what it saw as the corruption and incompetence of the Republican governments that appeared in the South during Reconstruction. However, it actually conducted a reign of terror against black people and Republicans, committing thousands of murders and beatings. For some people in the South it stood for something important. But did it really have much support? SOURCE A In 1866, the Klan was much talked about in the South. Its mysteriousness created much interest. Every issue of the local paper contained some reference to it. These notices were copied into other papers, and in this manner the way was prepared for its rapid growth which was helped by the common belief that the Klan had some great and important mission. One great concern of the time was the transition of ex-slaves to citizenship. They not only had no self- control, but many of them regarded themselves as free, not only from bondage to former masters, but from the laws of the state. The enforcement of the law had been only partially re-established and there was much disorder. But the Klan had organisation – through Grand Wizards, written constitutions and co-ordinated actions. Those who know the facts will know that the Klan was of immense service at this period of Southern history. Without it, in many sections of the South, life would have been intolerable for decent people. For a while the robberies ceased and the lawless behaved well. From a book published in 1884. The author was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. SOURCE B Although the Klan's membership was often exaggerated, it was large and it exerted a vast, terrifying power. However, its influence was never dependent on its membership but on the mystery in which its members surrounded themselves. It is an error to suppose that a majority of the male population of the South were Ku Klux. Klan supporters exaggerated claims about the Klan's size and strength. There were attempts to organise the Klan, but most Klan groups emerged where no one had organised them and developed no connection to any broader organisation. Accounts from the time are full of examples of the Klan controlling lightning bolts and being the ghosts of Confederate soldiers. These ridiculous claims made it seem more powerful than it really was. In their desire to describe the oppression of black southerners and their allies, northerners helped create the popular image of the Klan. But why care about the bizarre aspects of the Klan? What mattered about it was the pain and oppression that it inflicted. Many people did attribute great good to the Klan and remembered with gratitude the protection it gave them in the most dangerous period of their history. White southerners shared a widespread belief that their former slaves would overpower them and demand their resources and rights. However, from 1866 through to 1871 the Klan killed hundreds of black southerners and their white supporters and it drove thousands of black families from their homes and from their political rights and dignity. It inflicted real pain, injury and death. From a recent history book. Now answer all the following questions. You may use any of the sources to help you answer the questions, in addition to those sources which you are told to use. In answering the questions you should use your knowledge of the topic to help you interpret and evaluate the sources.